ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Competition Commission of India
CCI receives notice relating to acquisition of equity stake in JSW Cement by Synergy Metals Investments Holding Limited, under Green Channel and is deemed approved
The Competition Commission of India  received a notice relating to acquisition of equity stake in JSW Cement  by Synergy Metals Investments Holding Limited , under Green Channel and is deemed approved.
The Acquirer is the investment fund of its ultimate controlling entity, Synergy Metals and Mining Fund I LP . Synergy Fund invests in the industrials, metals and power sectors globally.
The Target is an unlisted public company based in India and belongs to the JSW group of companies. Its business activities include  production, manufacturing and trading of cement, clinker, ground granulated blast-furnace slag, slag sand and related products;  mining, crushing and grinding of raw materials and all other processes to finally produce and manufacture cement;  road transportation services; and  purchase of land/immovable properties to erect houses/building, etc.
Ministry of Home Affairs
MHA issues an Addendum to the Guidelines regarding Nationwide Lockdown to fight COVID-19
Additional essential Goods and Services included in the Exempt List
Ministry of Home Affairs  has issued an addendum to the guidelines to all Ministries/Departments issued yesterday , regarding the Nationwide lockdown to fight Corona Virus.
This addendum lays down additional categories of essential goods and services exempted under the Disaster Management Act, with respect to the 21- day lockdown.
Original Guidelines Document
Addendum to the Guidelines
Prime Minister's Office
PM condoles the passing away of former US President George H .W. Bush
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has condoled the passing away of former US President George H .W. Bush.
“Condolences to the Bush family and the people of USA on the passing away of former President George H .W. Bush. He was a leading statesman at a critical period of world history.
Former President George H. W. Bush was passionate about strong relations between India and USA. His presence will be sorely missed. May he rest in peace”, the Prime Minister said.
Ministry of Women and Child Development
Last date of nominations for Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar- 2020 extended
The Ministry of Women and Child Development  has extended the last date of receipt of applications for the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar – 2020 till 30th September 2019. The nominations of the deserving candidates should be submitted only through online mode on the web portal www.nca-wcd.nic.in.
Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar instituted by WCD Ministry to felicitate meritorious children, individuals and institutions of the country is given under two categories i.e., Bal Shakti Puraskar and Bal Kalyan Puraskar.
The Bal Shakti Puraskar aims to give recognition to children who have made extraordinary achievements in various fields including innovation, scholastic, sports, art and culture, social service and bravery, whereas the Bal Kalyan Puraskar is given as recognition to individuals and institutions, who have made an outstanding contribution towards service for children in the field of child development, child protection and child welfare.
The detailed guidelines of the awards are available on www.nca-wcd.nic.in. These awards are given by the President of India on the week preceding Republic Day every year. The Prime Minister also felicitates the awardees, who participate in Republic Day Parade on the 26th January at Rajpath in New Delhi.
Prime Minister's Office
Prime Minister’s meeting with the Grand Mufti of Egypt
Prime Shri Narendra Modi met the Grand Mufti of Egypt, His Eminence Dr. Shawky Ibrahim Allam, on 24 June 2023 during his State Visit to Egypt.
The Grand Mufti fondly recalled his recent visit to India, and highlighted the strong cultural and people to people relations between India and Egypt. The Grand Mufti also appreciated the Prime Minister’s leadership in fostering inclusivity and pluralism.
Discussions also focused on issues related to social and religious harmony in society and countering extremism and radicalization.
Prime Minister conveyed that India would set up a Centre of Excellence in IT at the Dar-al-Ifta under the Ministry of Social Justice of Egypt.
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
Draft notification issued which mandates vehicles of category M1, manufactured after 1st October 2022 to be fitted with two side/side torso air bags and two side curtain/tube air bags
The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways made the driver airbag a compulsory fitment on all Motor vehicles of category M1 , manufactured on and after 1st July, 2019 in order to ensure the driver’s safety. An airbag is a vehicle occupant-restraint system which interferes between the driver and the vehicle’s dashboard during a collision, thereby preventing serious injuries.
Thereafter, the Ministry mandated implementation of the front Air bag for the person occupying the front seat, other than the driver, in all M1 category vehicles w.e.f 01st January 2022.
In order to enhance the safety of occupants of the motor vehicle against lateral impact, it has been decided to enhance safety features by amending the Central Motor Vehicles Rules , 1989. A draft notification has been issued on 14 th January 2022, which mandates that vehicles of category M1, manufactured after 1st October 2022, shall be fitted with two side/side torso air bags, one each for the persons occupying front row outboard seating positions, and two side curtain/tube air bags, one each for the persons occupying outboard seating positions.
"Side/side torso air bag" means any inflatable occupant restraint device that is mounted to the seats or side structure of the vehicle interior, and that is designed to deploy in a side impact crash to help mitigate primarily torso injury and/or occupant ejection, for the persons occupying front row outboard seating positions.
"Side curtain/tube air bag" means any inflatable occupant restraint device that is mounted to the side structure of the vehicle interior, and that is designed to deploy in a side impact crash or rollover to help mitigate primarily head injury and/or occupant ejection for the persons occupying the outboard seating positions.
Click here to see Draft GSR 16 torso curtain airbags
Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
Inauguration of Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendra and launch of other initiatives at Kalahandi, Odisha by Shri Dharmendra Pradhan and Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas & Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Shri Dharmendra Pradhan along with spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar today inaugurated Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendra at Dharmagarh, Kalahandi, Odisha. This centre will deliver skills development courses in five job roles like organic grower, plumber, sewing machine operator, home health aide and electrician domestic solutions. It aims to train 1000 candidates annually
Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendra is Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship’s initiative towards creation of standardized infrastructure for delivery of skill training which are equipped to run industry-driven courses of high quality with focus on employability and create an aspirational value for skill development training.
An MoU was signed between National Skill Development Corporation and Sri Sri Rural Development Program Trust. Under the partnership, skill centres will be set up in 16 jails across 7 states  for skill training of inmates. The training is under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana scheme.
An MoU was also exchanged between Beauty and Wellness Sector Skill Council and Sri Sri Rural Development Program Trust for executing Recognition of Prior Learning Certification on Yoga for 20,000 Art of Living volunteers and Yuvacharyas
Odisha Kaushal Gram term sheet was also exchanged under which Recognition of Prior Learning  in 6 job roles for 20,000 people will be carried out in Odisha. This project under RPL will certify 20,000 unrecognized skilled workers from villages and create model skill villages called Kaushal Grams in Odisha
Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, speaking at the event said that as the demand for skilled labour is growing, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship is making continuous efforts to skill and upskill the workforce. The Government is working with a vision to take full advantage of our demographic dividend and establish India as the ‘Skill Capital of the World’. He said that the objective behind Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendras is to empower the youth by providing market relevant skill training and develop entrepreneurship. Efforts are being made to set up Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendras in all the districts of India. He thanked Gurudev Sri Sri ji for collaborating with Skill India.
The Minister said that the Government has initiated the establishment of a Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendra in every district of the country, ensuring last mile delivery of skill development. More than 490 centres have already been established and work is going on to establish the rest.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar speaking at the occasion said that everyone needs to come together and align energies to pursue the higher agenda of development. Service to the country is service to God. He stated that Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana is laudable initiative by Central Government to ensure skill development of our youth.
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Cabinet
Cabinet gives in-principle approval for Public Sector Banks to amalgamate through an Alternative Mechanism 
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given in-principle approval for Public Sector Banks to amalgamate through an Alternative Mechanism . The decision would facilitate consolidation among the Nationalised Banks to create strong and competitive banks.
Salient features:
The salient features of the approval Framework for Consolidation of Public Sector Banks are as follows:
· The decision regarding creating strong and competitive banks would be solely based on commercial considerations.
· The proposal must start from the Boards of Banks.
· The proposals received from Banks for in-principle approval to formulate schemes of amalgamation shall be placed before the Alternative Mechanism .
· After in-principle approval, the Banks will take steps in accordance with law and SEBI’s requirements.
· The final scheme will be notified by Central Government in consultation with the Reserve Bank of India.
Background:
In 1991, it was suggested that India should have fewer but stronger Public Sector Banks. However, it was only in May 2016 that effective action to consolidate public sector banks began to be taken by announcing amalgamation of six banks into the State bank of India. The merger was completed in record time, unlike earlier mergers of State Banks of Indore and Saurashtra.
SBI is now a single bank with about 24000 branches, over 59000 ATMs, 6 lakh POS machines and over 50,000 business correspondents, which serve all parts of the country, including far flung areas. Indeed 70% of SBI’s network lies in rural and semi urban areas. In that sense, the bank serves to unite India through a uniform banking culture. It also has a significant international presence, and is one of the largest global banks. Its size, financial strength and outreach have made it possible for customers to access a worldwide network of branches across all time zones, as well as to a very wide variety of banking products and superior technology. Loans to the small business man or woman and to the Krishak have become cheaper as SBI offers the lowest lending rates. More than 8.6 lakh merchants have been on board on BHIM Aadhaar, Bharat QR and POS, increasing the digital banking footprint. SBI has successfully raised Rs.15,000 crore QIP.
There are now 20 PSBs other than SBI. The banking scenario has changed since 1970/80 when banks were nationalised, with an increased banking presence from Private Sector Banks, non-banking Financial Companies, Regional Rural Banks, Payment Banks and Small Finance Banks. The decision is expected to facilitate the creation of strong and competitive banks in public sector space to meet the credit needs of a growing economy, absorb shocks and have the capacity to raise resources without depending unduly on the state exchequer.
Prime Minister's Office
PM condoles the passing away of Shri Anil Madhav Dave
PM condoles the passing away of Shri Anil Madhav Dave
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has condoled the passing away of Environment Minister, Shri Anil Madhav Dave.
“Absolutely shocked by the sudden demise of my friend and a very respected colleague, Environment Minister Anil Madhav Dave ji. My condolences.
Anil Madhav Dave ji will be remembered as a devoted public servant. He was tremendously passionate towards conserving the environment.
I was with Anil Madhav Dave ji till late last evening, discussing key policy issues. This demise is a personal loss”, the Prime Minister said.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Innovation & Infrastucture will help India to become USD 5 trillion economy: Piyush Goyal
USD 700 Billion Investment in Railways in 12 Years: Piyush Goyal
Government is Facilitator & Enabler for Business & Indsutry: Piyush Goyal
Piyush Goyal Addresses Assocham in Its Centenary Year; Strengthening India’s Global Positioning
The Indian Railway splans to invest USD 700 billion through partnerships, joint ventures and collaborations to strengthen the infrastructure and reach the farthest corners of the country in the next 12 years said the Commerce and Industry& Railways Minister Piyush Goyal in New Delhi today. He was addressing ASSOCHAM which is celebrating 100 years.He was addressing ASSOCHAM about Strengthening India’s Global Positioning in New Delhi today.
In his address the Commerce and Industry Minister urged Indian Industry to be in constant dialogue with the Government so that all the problems and hurdles that industry and business face today may be dealt with so that the Government’s commitment for a better India, for the 1.3 billion aspirational citizens who are looking for a better quality of life, can be met at the earliest.
Government of India will be a facilitator and an enabler for industry and entrepreneurship to ensure that harassment at the hands of government functionaries both at the centre and the states comes to an end said the Minister. For this he urged ASSOCHAM with its 4 lakh plus members to give feedback that will help Government both at the Centre and the States to look at regulatory, non-regulatory, judicial and any other impediments that are roadblocks for industry and entrepreneurship.
Commerce and Industry Minister urged industry to adopt and encourage innovation by funding research and development and work closely with academia so that India may become a true innovation nation where startups can flourish and become positive disruptors in industry by creating more jobs for the youth of the country. He gave the example of the United States of America and China that have more than 4,200 and more than 1,200 researchers respectively and India has only 216 number of researchers per million people.
Commerce and Industry Minister congratulated ASSOCHAM in its centenary year and appreciated the commendable work it has done for a century for Indian industry and business.
Prime Minister's Office
Prime Minister congratulates Satwik Sairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty for clinching Gold in Badminton Men's Doubles
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has congratulated Satwik Sairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty for clinching Gold in Badminton Men's Doubles at Asian Games in Hangzhou.
The Prime Minister posted on X;
“The electrifying duo of @satwiksairaj and @Shettychirag04 have won a Gold Medal in Badminton Men's Doubles. Congrats to them. Their game lights up the court and makes India proud always!“
Prime Minister's Office
PM condoles loss of lives in road accident in Ramban
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the loss of lives due to road accident in Ramban, Jammu and Kashmir.
PMO tweeted, "Pained by the loss of lives due to an accident in Ramban, Jammu and Kashmir. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured recover soon: PM @narendramodi"
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
Free 8.20 lakh hybrid seed mini kits will be distributed to farmers in 343 districts of 15 states
Government is focusing on increasing the income of farmers along with an increase in production and productivity- Shri Tomar
Distribution of Free mustard seed mini kit worth Rs 2 crore started in Morena and Sheopur of Madhya Pradesh
Under a special program by the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, 8,20,600 seed mini-kits will be distributed free of cost in 343 identified districts of 15 major producing states of the country. This program will increase production and productivity by increasing the seed replacement rate, which will help in increasing the income of the farmers.Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar launched the programme today by distributing mustard seed mini kit worth about Rs 2 crore in Morena and Sheopur districts of Madhya Pradesh.
The program has been started under the National Food Security Mission  - Oil Seed and Oil Palm Scheme. Union Minister Shri Tomar informed that after micro-level plan for the major mustard producing states of the country, approval has been given to implement mini-kit distribution of rapeseed and mustard seeds this year. The Ministry has approved 8,20,600 seed mini-kits, consisting of seeds of high yielding varieties of productivity more than 20 quintals per hectare, for distribution in 343 identified districts of 15 states. The program covers various districts of all the major producing states like Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Tripura. Rs. 1066.78 lakhhave been allottedfor this program.
ShriTomarsaid that Morena and Sheopur of MP, Banaskantha in Gujarat, Hisar in Haryana, Bharatpur in Rajasthan and Etah and Varanasi districts of Uttar Pradesh have been selected for distribution of hybrid seed mini kits under pilot project during this year. In these 7 districts of 5 states, 1,20,000 seed mini-kits from a total of 1615 quintals of seeds will be prepared and distributed. Each district will be given 15 thousand to 20 thousand seed mini-kits. In addition to the regular programme, three TL hybrid high yielding varieties of mustard have been selected for seed mini kit distribution. The selected varieties are JK-6502, Champion and Dawn. The objective of the Seed Mini Kit program is to polarize new varieties with high yield potential and other useful features. The farmers of the adjoining districts will have faith in these varieties, which will result in mass adoption by the farmers, he added.
Agriculture Secretary Shri Sanjay Agarwal said that Aatmanirbhar Bharat will be built throughAatmnirbhar Krishi. Working in this direction, programs have been taken up by the Ministry. Hybrid seeds are being distributed free of cost for the first time. The program was coordinated by Joint Secretary Smt. Shubha Thakur.
Ministry of Home Affairs
INCREASED ALLOCATION OF FUNDS UNDER NDRF/SDRF
As per the National Disaster Management Policy, the primary responsibility for disaster management rests with the State Governments concerned. The State Governments provide financial relief to the affected people in the event notified natural disasters from the State Disaster Response Fund , already placed at its disposal, in accordance with approved items and norms of Government of India . However, in the event of disaster of a severe nature, additional financial assistance is extended from the National Disaster Response Fund , as per laid down procedure, which includes an assessment based on the visit of an Inter-Ministerial Central Team .
Successive Finance commission , determines the allocation of the State Disaster Response Fund  of each State for each of the financial years for entire Award period. The 15th Finance Commission had adopted a new methodology for state-wise allocations which is a combination of capacity , risk exposure  hazard and vulnerably , instead of existing methodology of expenditure based. As against Rs. 61,220 crore recommended by the 14th Finance Commission for the Award Period , the 15th Finance Commission has allocated a total corpus of Rs. 1,28,122.40 crore in SDRF to all States for the Award Period , of which Central Share is Rs. 98,080.80 crore and State Government’s share is Rs. 30,041.60 crore. In addition, an amount of Rs. 32,030.60 crore has been allocated under the State Disaster Mitigation Fund  for the Award Period of 2021-22 to 2025-2026. Similarly, a total corpus of Rs. 54,770 crore has been allocated by the 15th Finance Commission under National Disaster Response Fund  and Rs. 13,693 crore under National Disaster Mitigation Fund  for the Award Period .
This was stated by the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Nityanand Rai in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha.
Vice President's Secretariat
Vice President stresses need to make youth aware of Indian culture and tradition
‘Honour the legacy of our great leaders, take inspiration from their lives’: Vice President
Shri Naidu attends cultural event ‘Alai Balai’ in Hyderabad
(The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, today called for encouraging youth to be aware of India's ancient tradition and culture and uphold our national value of 'unity in diversity'. He added that India's pluralistic culture has the power to unite people, going beyond various social divisions in society.
Shri Naidu was speaking at a cultural event 'Alai Balai' in Hyderabad, organised as part of Dasara festivities by the Governor of Haryana, Shri Bandaru Dattatreya. The event witnessed leaders and dignitaries from various fields and political parties exchange greetings and pleasantries. The Vice President complimented Shri Dattatreya for taking initiative in organizing 'Alai Balai' over the years to promote camaraderie and brotherhood among people.
On the occasion, Shri Naidu recalled the legacy of the great freedom fighter Shri Bal Gangadhar Tilak who similarly initiated the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations to unite the people during the Swaraj movement. He called for honouring the legacy of our great leaders and to take inspiration from their lives to protect the pluralistic culture of India.
Governor of Haryana, Shri Bandaru Dattatreya, Governor of Himachal Pradesh, Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Union Tourism and Culture Minister Shri G. Kishan Reddy, Telangana Home Minister, Shri Mohammed Mahmood Ali, film actors Shri Pawan Kalyan and Shri Manchu Vishnu, Managing Director of Dr. Reddy Labs, Shri G.V. Prasad, Chairman & Managing Director of Bharat Biotech, Shri Krishna Ella, Chairman & Founder of Asian Institute of Gastroenterology, Dr. Nageshwar Reddy, Managing Director of Biological E., Ms. Mahima Datla and others were present on the occasion.